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Third Khanda

Third Khanda

1. Brahman obtained the victory for the Devas. The Devas became elated by the victory of Brahman, and they thought, this victory is ours only, this greatness is ours only.

2. Brahman perceived this and appeared to them. But they did not know it, and said: “What sprite (yaksha or yakshya) is this?”

3. They said to Agni (fire): “O Gatavedas, find out what sprite this is.” “Yes,” he said.

4. He ran toward it, and Brahman said to him: “Who are you?” He replied: “I am Agni, I am Gatavedas.”

5. Brahman said: “What power is in you?” Agni replied: “I could burn all whatever there is on earth.”

6. Brahman put a straw before him, saying: “Burn this.” He went towards it with all his might, but he could not burn it. Then he returned thence and said: “I could not find out what sprite this is.”

7. Then they said to Vayu (air): “O Vayu, find out what sprite this is.” “Yes,”he said.

8. He ran toward it, and Brahman said to him: “Who are you?” He replied: “I am Vayu, I am Matarisvan.”

9. Brahman said: “What power is in you?” Vayu replied: “I could take up all whatever there is on earth.”

10. Brahman put a straw before him, saying: “Take it up.” He went towards it with all his might, but he could not take it up. Then he returned thence and said: “I could not find out what sprite this is.”

11. Then they said to Indra: “O Maghavan, find out what sprite this is.” He went towards it, but it disappeared from before him.

12. Then in the same space (ether) he came towards a woman, highly adorned: it was Uma, the daughter of Himavat. He said to her: “Who is that sprite?”